( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Not Just in Honor of Friends, Hindi’s Libraries Gives Kids the Right to Read
ENSPIRE Contributor: Xiangxi Kong
Leslie Gang supported her co-worker, Dr. Hindi Krinsky, a mother of six and schoolteacher when Krinsky passed away. Leslie set up a small library at school to donate books. And now, this small effort has turned into an international literacy non-profit, Hindi’s Libraries. It has donated over 425000 books to children in literacy deserts; domestic violence shelters and help more and more children.
This program was the idea that came from Krinshky’s husband, Kanarfogal, and her friend Leslie. They asked local parents to donate a book. However, the final result exceeded expectations. And now, the organization has partnered with The Today Show, DHL, Zoo Atlanta and Susan Egan to share their message. They gave the right for children to have good books and a love of learning.
We interviewed Leslie Gang and asked her about her experience and inspiration for this program.
Hindi’s library is a very heart-warming program for all the kids. What led you to start this organization?
The organization was founded in honor of one beautiful woman: Dr. Hindi Krinsky, who was the mother of five and a beloved educator who tragically and suddenly passed away at 32. Her love was literature and her dream—to build a community of readers. Passionate about continuing Hindi’s legacy, we started one “little free library” in her honor at the school where she taught. The intention was to support her students and family, but we didn’t anticipate the outpouring of books and support we would receive.
The books never stopped coming, nor did our dedication to serving students. We are a Today Show Featured, International Literacy Non-Profit that has donated over 425,000 books—100 percent free to recipients—throughout all 50 states and internationally. We genuinely believe that handing a child a book can change their life, and we are committed to continuing Hindi’s legacy.
This organization is in memory of Hindi who passed away because of illness. How did Hindi influence you before she passed away? What kind of woman is she in your memory?
Hindi was a special woman– people like her don’t come around too often. The first time Hindi’s Husband, Dovid, met her, Hindi was lugging around a large pile of books and that was what drew him to her. Her love of literature and reading is what drew me to her as well! She had a special spirit and heart.
Books offer an escape for children. We seek to provide a place between the pages of books where children can ignite their imagination and lean into dreaming regardless of their current circumstances. Empowering children through a love of literature, as Hindi would have wanted, is our true and primary goal.
Are there those who are to be thanked in this program?
The Community and all of our Supporters. From amazing partnerships to everyday people joining in a hand to our regular volunteers, we are so grateful for everyone who ensures that Hindi’s legacy lives on through this organization. Whether you have volunteered your time in a volunteer session, ran a book drive, or simply donated from your own personal library, we are so grateful for the support that has taken this from a little free library to an international literacy initiative that has touched thousands of lives.
Has this organization encountered any difficulties or luck?
We’ve had the opportunity to partner and collaborate with many outstanding organizations, including Barnes and Noble, DHL, Disney Worldwide Publishing, and Avery Dennison. Recently, Broadway sensation and original Broadway actress for Belle, Susan Egan, gave us a shout-out in honor of Belle’s bookworm-ish nature!
However, one collaboration stands out to us. The most fascinating and inspiring moment was being approached by Victoria Isernia, a high school sophomore who had learned of our organization from her aunt—a Hindi’s Library’s book donation recipient.
Taking the initiative, Victoria ran a massive book drive in New York, particularly Long Island. Her efforts resulted in a donation of over 3,000 books. Watching a teenager feel empowered by our story, take the reins, and create such a successful project deeply humbled us. Her spirit showed that if you want to make a difference, you can—a spirit we carry with us today.
Do you have any next steps? Will it bring us anything new soon?
As always, we are working toward our goal of getting books into the hands of children and recently hit of a milestone of over 475,000! However, we are working on some exciting initiatives but our primary work remains the same: put new and gently used books in the hands of children internationally.
There are a multitude of ways to get involved. Our books are 100 percent free of cost to recipients, including shipping, which Hindi’s Libraries subsidize. If you do not frequently ship items, you might be surprised to learn that shipping boxes of books is our primary cost. To help offset this cost, we are always grateful for monetary donations that go directly to shipping more books to children.
Secondly, if you have gently used or new children’s books in your home, we are always grateful for book donations to help keep our inventory stocked and place books into the hands of children who need them most. Lastly, tell your friends and family about our organization!
We would love to connect with you so that you can keep informed on our latest developments and initiatives, so follow us @hindislibraries on Instagram and Facebook or visit our website at www.hindislibraries.org
Hindi’s Library is a very heart-warming project that not only helps to remember a very great woman but also helps thousands of kids to have more books and a way to learn. You can keep informed on their latest developments and initiatives, so follow @hindislibraries on Instagram and Facebook or visit their website at www.hindislibraries.org.
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